The people outside were buzzing with discussion, but it didn’t affect Zhong Ming. Likewise, the rankings on the sky screen didn’t make him anxious.

’The Seven Profound Sect didn’t change course right from the start. The Sword Dao Seeds the sect cultivated were all killed by Demons and Evil Spirits during their trials. That’s the real reason the Seven Profound Sect changed its ways, and it’s what everyone believes is the crux of its decline.’

’That’s why the sect’s highest priority right now isn’t a disciple’s killing prowess, but their ability to survive.’

’This assessment is a perfect example. The longer you survive, the more points you earn, and the more highly the sect will regard you.’

’If I can safely make it through the second day, my points could even increase tenfold.’

With this in mind, it was obvious what Zhong Ming needed to do.

’Conserve my strength... But that doesn’t mean not exerting any effort at all. First, I need to gather the disciples from Longxi Peak.’

SHING!

As the thought occurred to him, Zhong Ming abruptly sent out a clear, ringing sound from his sword—a signal for others to gather to his position. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

BOOM!

WHOOSH...

As he made his move, the other experts scattered throughout the ruined town also began to stir, each in their own way.

A blazing fireball soared into the sky, while the multicolored aroma of Elixir Pills permeated the air. From the direction of Bright Stone Peak, the heavy shockwave of a powerful punch thundered across the land. The experts of the three great families also displayed their own methods. For a moment, the desolate city, which should have been silent, erupted into a strange flurry of activity.

"That sword’s ring... it’s Senior Brother..."

"Those flames... Senior Brother Yan Chen..."

These actions proved quite effective. Using the clear ring of his sword, Zhong Ming managed to gather several people from Longxi Peak to his side.

The other elite disciples of the Seven Peaks and the experts from the three great families also rallied their own groups.

This scene caused the spectators outside to nod in satisfaction.

At that moment, City Lord Yue Shan smiled at Law Enforcement Elder Wei Jingcheng and said, "Your Seven Peaks Disciples are performing quite well. Gathering together to face the enemy before the Demonic Fiends grow too strong... it’s the wisest move..."

Before he could finish, Yue Shan sensed that something was amiss.

Just then, Law Enforcement Elder Wei Jingcheng showed no trace of pleasure. Instead, his expression was incredibly cold and severe, as if he were watching a farce.

This reaction puzzled Yue Shan, as it did Yi Qing beside him.

"Are you dissatisfied with your disciples’ performance, Wei?"

"I am." Wei Jingcheng nodded, his voice laced with undisguised gravity. "Before this assessment, I told the disciples that it was a simulation of real combat."

"And in real combat, the enemy’s strength doesn’t increase incrementally from weak to strong. Nor is there such a thing as perfectly accurate intelligence!"

"..."

At these words, Yue Shan and Yi Qing exchanged a look, both a bit speechless. They couldn’t help but feel a flicker of pity for the disciples undergoing the assessment.

’The deaths of those talented prodigies must have hit the Seven Profound Sect hard. They’re really playing for keeps with this assessment.’

Though she had this thought, Yi Qing only sighed faintly. Her own feelings remained largely undisturbed.

She had little interest in the fate of the other Seven Profound Sect disciples; she had come today only to watch Zhong Ming.

’To be held in such high regard by Yun Ya, and to have caused such a stir at the Golden Jade Tower... Zhong Ming, I hope you don’t disappoint me.’

The same was true for Dong Jinhai and Qin Rou; they too had come for him.

—Although Zhong Ming had caused a huge stir at the Golden Jade Tower, it had been, in the end, just a stir. No one had actually seen him make a move. This had given the other two parties pause, and they hadn’t dared to invest too heavily in him yet.

Now, they had come together to see what Zhong Ming was really made of.

While the three of them were lost in thought, Yue Shan was watching them, his own mind filled with concerns.

He too had some connection to the Six Extremes Demon Sect. The Demon Sect was allied with the Frost Moon imperial family, and his own position as City Lord had been granted by the Frost Moon imperial court. In such a situation, it was inevitable that he would have ties to the Six Extremes Demon Sect.

In fact, he was even anticipating the arrival of the Six Extremes Demon Sect. A man capable of becoming a City Lord was no mediocrity, and he was not one to be content with obscurity.

But until now, all the various interests in Jade Lake City had been monopolized by the three major sects. He couldn’t do a thing; he was like a clay statue in a temple—a powerless figurehead. Naturally, he was unwilling to accept such a state of affairs.

The Six Extremes Demon Sect, however, could help him create an opening.

’It was my idea to have the Six Extremes Demon Sect target the Seven Profound Sect first. I haven’t made a terrible mistake, have I?’

While his heart was fraught with anxiety, Yue Shan turned to Yi Qing with a casual expression. "Lady Yi, for you to take the trouble of coming in person, can it be that the Seven Profound Sect truly has a supreme talent in its ranks?"

At his words, it wasn’t just Yue Shan who was paying close attention; the Clan Leaders of the Cheng, Zhu, and Hong families all pricked up their ears.

Even the High Cultivators of the Seven Profound Sect cast sideways glances.

Everyone was curious. Who could possibly be important enough to make three Vice Tower Lords from the Golden Jade Tower appear at once?

In response, Yi Qing offered a gentle, graceful smile but didn’t answer directly. "The assessment is already in progress. Why is everyone in such a hurry? If you continue watching, you’ll find out soon enough."

"..."

Her words left the crowd feeling rather helpless.

However, even though they didn’t know the person’s identity, Yi Qing’s tone was a clear admission that the three of them were indeed here for a supreme talent from the Seven Profound Sect. This realization sent a shock through many of those present.

In the next moment, the crowd’s eyes widened as they stared intently at the screen in the sky, meticulously searching for the supposed supreme genius who could warrant the collective attention of three Vice Tower Lords from the Golden Jade Tower.

As they searched, they began discussing among themselves, speculating on who this supreme genius could possibly be.